Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa has commended the Police Public Complaints Commission (PPCC) for its decade-long contribution to promoting accountability, transparency and professionalism within the Zambia Police Service.

Speaking during the official opening of the commission’s 10th anniversary commemorations in Lusaka, Mr Kangwa said the milestone was not only a celebration of institutional longevity but also a reflection of Zambia’s commitment to the rule of law, accountability and democratic governance.

 Mr Kangwa said government established the commission to enhance professionalism in the police service, improve public trust and safeguard citizens’ rights, adding that its constitutional recognition demonstrates government’s resolve to strengthen oversight institutions.

“The commission has become a vital pillar in promoting responsible governance and protecting the rights of citizens. Effective policing is fundamental to national development, but it must always be exercised within the bounds of the law and with respect for human rights,” he said.

Mr Kangwa noted that over the past ten years, the commission has made significant progress in advancing its mandate, with more citizens becoming aware of their rights and the mechanisms available for addressing grievances against law enforcement officers.

Mr Kangwa acknowledged the challenges faced by oversight institutions, including inadequate resources, capacity limitations and the need for increased public awareness.

He assured the commission of continued government support, revealing that plans were underway to address its accommodation challenges and strengthen its operational capacity.

“We are not giving up. We will get the commission totally sorted out next year. We remain committed to enhancing its institutional capacity, promoting efficiency and ensuring it operates in an environment that enables it to effectively discharge its constitutional mandate,” Mr Kangwa said.

He further called for greater collaboration among government institutions, local authorities and district administrators to improve awareness and understanding of the commission’s oversight role across the country.

Mr Kangwa also emphasised the need to strengthen investigative and operational capacity, enhance stakeholder engagement and leverage technology to improve service delivery.

And Mr Kangwa urged public institutions, particularly the Zambia Police Service, to support economic growth by facilitating business activities and avoiding unnecessary barriers that hinder commerce.

“All of us have a responsibility to facilitate business because it is through business growth and taxation that government generates the resources required to provide services and address national challenges,” he said.

Mr Kangwa noted that increased economic activity would create the fiscal space needed to fund development programmes and improve public institutions.

Speaking at the same event, Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting accountability, professionalism and integrity within the Service.

And Police Public Complaints Commission (PPCC) Chairperson Zunga Siakalima has called for increased public awareness and strengthened institutional support to enhance the Commission’s oversight role as it commemorates its 10th anniversary.

Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary, Kangwa Chileshe, has emphasised the critical role sports plays in empowering young people and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to Zambia’s economic development.

Speaking during the draws for the ZANACO Bank grassroots Under-17 national football tournament in Lusaka, Mr Chileshe said government remains dedicated to promoting sports development at all levels, with a strong focus on grassroots and school-based programmes.

He commended ZANACO Bank for its sustained investment in grassroots football, noting that successful national teams are built on well-structured youth competitions.

“In this regard, government is investing in strengthening sports infrastructures across the country through the devolution of community sports functions to local authorities, rehabilitation and construction of sports infrastructure among others,” he said.

Mr Chileshe further noted that government recognises sport as an important catalyst for economic empowerment through football and other sporting disciplines.

He added that government remains committed to nurturing young talent and enhancing school sports, which he described as a cornerstone of national development.

“Allow me to sincerely commend Zanaco for its continued partnership with government in promoting grassroot and school sports development,” he said.

Meanwhile, ZANACO Bank Chief Executive Officer, Mukwandi Chibesakunda, reaffirmed the transformative role of sport in empowering young people, strengthening communities and creating sustainable opportunities.

Ms Chibesakunda said structured community football programmes in Zambia continue to provide benefits that go beyond sport by promoting education, confidence-building and personal growth.

She added that research conducted by UNICEF on sport-for-development programmes across 100 countries shows that participation in sport can enhance children’s learning outcomes, life skills, leadership abilities, empowerment and self-esteem.

“Today’s draw marks an important milestone as we prepare for this year’s edition. Its purpose is too fairly and transparently place teams into their respective groups, ensuring a balanced and competitive tournament,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary, Kelvin Mambwe in a speech read on his behalf by Principal Education Officer, Aiden Kambunga, also commended Zanaco Bank for its continued support towards education and sport.

Dr Mambwe said the initiative is enabling young people to identify their talents and pursue their aspirations.

He further stated that sport has the power to unite communities, nurture talent and inspire ambition among young people.

Last year, ZANACO Bank schools grassroots football tournament brought together more than 400 young participants from all 10 provinces.

This year’s competition is scheduled to take place in Lusaka from July 3 to 6, 2026 at sunset stadium.

Government has commissioned a 25-kilometre access road and a 100-metre footbridge under the Development of Basic Infrastructure (DBI) Project in Mayukwayukwa Resettlement Scheme of Kaoma District in Western Province.

In a speech read on her behalf by Permanent Secretary Resettlement in The Office of The Vice-President Mavis Nkomeshya, Vice President Mutale Nalumango said that basic amenities such as road infrastructure among others were cardinal in national development.

Ms Nalumango said that through the Development of Basic Infrastructure Project, the refugees, former refugees and the host community in Mayukwayukwa were being considered for various basic amenities among them a good road network as they also contributed to the development of the country.

“When you have a good road network, it is easy to access health facilities, it is easy to access schools, you can easily take your farm produce market and come back the same day. And if you have a bridge, you cannot drown”, she said.

United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Zambia Resident Representative James Wakiaga said UNDP was a strategic partner with the government and JICA hence offering its support to the project.

Dr Wakiaga said UNDP was proud to continue serving as an implementation partner in the initiative.

He said his organisation remained committed to ensure that every resource entrusted to them translated into real measurable impact in the lives of the people.

“Roads and bridges are some of the tangible benefits infrastructure delivers to people in real life”, Dr. Wakiaga said.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Zambia Chief Representative Dr Ono Tomoko said the Development of Basic Infrastructure (DBI) Project was being implemented in Mayukwayukwa and Maheba Resettlement Schemes in Western and North-Western Provinces respectively to improve infrastructure, connectivity and access to essential services.

Dr Tomoko said JICA was advising the government in advancing local integration of refugees, former refugees and the host community in enabling them to participate fully in economic and social life.

The Development of Basic Infrastructure Project is being implemented by the Office of the Vice President through the Resettlement Division in partnership with the UNDP and was being funded by JICA.

The Zambia National Service was contracted to construct the 25-kilometre access road and the 100-metre footbridge across the Luampa River in Muyukwayukwa Resettlement Scheme.

Chief Mutondo of the Nkoya people in Kaoma District has commended ongoing development works at Mayukwayukwa Refugee Settlement.

Chief Mutondo says the improvements are enhancing livelihoods and keeping his chiefdom peaceful despite hosting thousands of refugees.

The traditional leader was speaking during a courtesy call on him by Permanent Secretary Resettlement in The Office of The Vice-President Mavis Nkomeshya    and Western Province secretary Simomo Akapelwa.

The chief expressed appreciation to cooperating partners for their support, citing JICA, UNHCR, the Government of Zambia, and UNDP for their role in upgrading infrastructure.

Western Province Permanent Secretary Simomo Akapelwa told the Chief that the newly completed 25-kilometer road network will open up the resettlement area and improve accessibility for residents and service providers.

“Beyond the road network, JICA will also construct a day secondary school, a health facility, and three water reticulation systems,” Mr Akapelwa said.

The two permanent secretaries also paid courtesy on Mayukwayukwa area induna Mufaya who pledged to work closely with cooperating partners to maintain a conducive environment for development.

 Induna Mufaya announced that he had surrendered part of his farm to provide gravel for the road construction at no cost as a community contribution.

The project, worth USD $1.3 million, was officially commissioned yesterday following the completion of road works.

 More than 40,000 refugees are expected to benefit from the improved infrastructure.

Mayukwayukwa is one of Zambia’s oldest refugee settlements, hosting refugees primarily from Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa says the launch of the Zambia National Spatial Data Infrastructure (ZNSDI) policy and Zambia Portal will improve the delivery of government services.

Mr Kangwa described the launch of the ZNSDI has a milestone in Zambia’s strategic journey towards digital transformation.

He stressed that the policy places the citizenry at the core of government endeavors.

Mr Kangwa said this in a speech read for him by Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Administration Oliver Kalabo.

Mr Kangwa highlighted that the policy will seek among other things, to eliminate duplication of government work.

He bemoaned that for too long geospatial data has remained fragmented within government.

Mr Kangwa further pointed out that geospatial data is inaccessible and underutilised.

He said the fragmentation has impeded on government’s capacity, to make timely and informed decisions.

Mr Kangwa stressed that this has cost government valuable resources and affected the quality of services delivered to the people.

“For too long, geospatial data within our government has remained fragmented siloed, duplicated, inaccessible, and underutilised. This fragmentation has impeded our capacity to make timely, informed decisions, costing us valuable resources and, most critically, affecting the quality of services provided to our people.”

He indicated that as a country, Zambia lacked a single, authoritative source of geospatial information to guide the country in an event of a crisis.

“In moments of crisis such as disasters, land disputes, or investment planning, we have lacked a single, authoritative source of geospatial information to guide our actions.”

The Secretary to the Cabinet has since called for the speedy implementation of the NSDI policy.

And speaking earlier, SMART Zambia National Coordinator Percy Chinyama said the portal will provide a single source of data.

Mr Chinyama explained that having a single source of information is critical in enhancing decision making.

He emphasised that the portal will contribute to the efficient delivery of government services.

Meanwhile, European Union Delegation to Zambia and COMESA Team Leader Lana Zutelija says the launch of the portal is as a result of years of efforts and collaboration among government and private institutions.

Ms Zutelija thanked the Zambian cabinet for implementing the policy.

Kaputa District Voter Education Coordinator, Stella Shonga, has expressed satisfaction with the progress being made in the ongoing voter education programme.

Ms Shonga says so far, the programme is progressing well, with facilitators successfully reaching out to communities while disseminating important information on the electoral process ahead of the August 13, 2026 General Elections.

Speaking in an interview with the media Ms, Shonga, has noted that many eligible voters were eager to receive voter education messages and were showing a positive response towards adhering to the guidelines set by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

“The response from the communities has been very encouraging. People are eager to hear the voter education messages and are willing to follow the guidelines provided by the Electoral Commission of Zambia,” Ms. Shonga said.

She expressed optimism that the voter education campaign will contribute to increased voter participation during the forthcoming elections.

“We are hopeful that many voters will turn up in large numbers on polling day because they are showing great interest in the electoral process,” she added.

Ms Shonga however, highlighted that one of the challenges encountered by facilitators is that some community members were currently occupied with harvesting maize and rice, making it difficult to reach them at certain times.

She said facilitators remained committed to ensuring that all eligible voters received the necessary information to enable them to participate effectively in the democratic process.

And a registered voter from Mowa Ward, John Kabwe said he was well educated on this year’s elections and ready to cast his vote on August 13, 2026.

Mr Kabwe said he has received adequate information on how to vote and also encouraged others not to shun the elections.

A 39-year-old man of Kakoma Village in Chief Chitimukulu’s Chieffom, in Mungwi District in Northern Province has been shot dead by unknown people using a homemade firearm.

Northern Province Police Commanding Officer Simunji Mulonda identified the deceased as Expendicious Mulenga, who was found dead at his farm.

Mr Mulonda said the incident is believed to have occurred between June 14 and 15, 2026, and was reported at Mungwi Police by wife to the deceased, Zeles Tembo 37, on June 15, 2026 at 08:20 hours.

The Commanding Officer disclosed that preliminary investigations have revealed that on June 7, 2026, the deceased, together with his wife and six children, relocated from Kakoma Village to their farm in Kambala Village for harvesting, and on June 14,  2026 around 14:00 hours, the victim left the farm on his King Lion motorcycle to Ngoli area to buy groceries as well as deliver his green National Registration Card (NRC) to his cooperative but never returned  home that evening.

Mr Mulonda said Ms Tembo narrated that around 19:00 hours, while waiting for her husband, she heard a gunshot from Ngoli Village direction within their farm but did not suspect anything.

He explained that the following morning, around 06:00 hours, their 15-year-old son, left home for school and few minutes later returned home to inform her mother that his father was found lying lifeless 700 metres away from the house.

The Police command said officers visited the crime scene and found the body lying on the ground in a pool of blood by the roadside.

He said physical examination revealed multiple gunshot wounds on the right side of the chest and arm, with blood coming out from the mouth.

Mr Mulonda also revealed that a pair of black slippers, a King Lion motorcycle and homemade firearm cartridges were found approximately 1.5 metres from the body.

The body has since been deposited at Kasama General Hospital Mortuary awaiting post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of death.

He has since appealed to members of the public who may have information that could assist to the arrest of the assailant to report to the nearest police station.

The Police Command has also retaliated its commitment to ensuring that those responsible for the heinous crime are brought to book.

Women for Change, a non-governmental organisation has embarked on a stakeholder mapping exercise in Muchinga Province to boost the fight against Gender-Based Violence.

The initiative is part of the Spotlight project, which aims to eradicate violence against women and girls in the region.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting, Women for Change Project Officer, Charles Sichali, stated that the exercise will identify key GBV actors for specialised training across three chiefdoms in Chinsali and two in Isoka district.

Mr Sichali emphasized that the upcoming training will ensure community interventions remain sustainable and accelerate local awareness campaigns.

He said the organisation desires to strengthen coordination at community level in order to bridge the gap that are in existence at grassroot level.

” Women for change has been working so far in 21 districts and we are excited to be here in Muchinga Province for a noble course that is being supported by the Government of Ireland in partnership with the Zambian Government,” he added.

Mr Sichali said the project promotes inclusive multi – stakeholders to share experiences, identify challenges and develop practical solutions that respond to the realities faced by women and girls in communities.

And speaking during the official opening of the meeting held at Katachi lodge in Chinsali district yesterday, Acting Chinsali District who was presented by Chinsali District Health Director Services Dr Edward Sikazwe said gender issues are at the center of government priority agenda.

Ms Brenda Silwembe said women and girls have continued to experience various forms of violence which is why government was always thriving to work with different cooperating partners in a bid to end the vice.

She said GBV was commonly high and evident in rural communities where harmful cultural practices, unequal power relations and limited awareness of rights continue to perpetuate Gender Based Violence.

The Acting DC noted that Government recognises that ending violence against women and girls requires collective action, hence making this collaborative meeting an important one in the fight against all forms of GBV.

Ms Silwembe charged that strong partnerships among Government Institutions, Civil Society Organisations, Traditional and Faith leaders, Community structures, youth and women groups including developing partners was needed.

” No single institution can work alone if we are to ensuring that this challenge of GBV is effectively addressed,” she said.

She further commended Women for Change organisation for championing the fight against GBV and organising such initiatives that seeks to build the capacity of women’s rights advocates to develop evidence based and cost action plan while strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems.

And Muchinga Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Brian Sichande reaffirmed Government’s commitment towards creating an enabling environment for all stakeholders working to eliminate GBV across the province and the country at large.

Mr Sichande noted that the role of provincial administration is to ensure that government policies and programmes are fully implemented and reach the intended targets including the marginalized groups such as Women, Youths and Persons with Disabilities.

” We shall support this project just as we have done with other implementers under the Spotlight initiative project,” he added.

The Spotlight initiative project 2.0 is currently running in two provinces of Zambia namely Muchinga and Eastern and is being implemented in four districts with Muchinga having two, Chinsali and Isoka.

President Hakainde Hichilema is today expected in Mongu, the provincial capital of Western Province, where he will meet United Party for National Development (UPND) adopted candidates and senior party officials.

The visit is part of a series of strategic engagements aimed at strengthening mobilisation efforts ahead of the August 13 general election. The meetings bring together parliamentary candidates, council chairpersons, mayors and councillors endorsed under the United Party for National Development ticket.

Party officials say the nationwide tour is designed to energise candidates and align campaign messages as the ruling party intensifies preparations for the polls.

The Western Province engagement marks one of the final stops in the President’s provincial campaign tour. After Mongu, the Head of State is expected to proceed to Choma tomorrow, where he will hold a similar meeting with party candidates and structures.

According to party arrangements, UPND national chairperson Collins Maoma and National Management Committee member Clarissa Chikamba are accompanying the President on the tour.

The engagements are expected to focus on campaign coordination, message consistency, and boosting morale among candidates as the ruling party seeks to consolidate its support base across provinces.

The ruling party has recently intensified internal mobilisation efforts, with leadership emphasizing unity and discipline as key factors ahead of the national vote.

President Hichilema is expected to address candidates on development priorities and campaign strategy, reinforcing the party’s broader election agenda as campaigns enter a decisive phase.

A Zambia Army warrant officer has died after allegedly shooting a woman in Kabwata’s Site and Service area before attempting to take his own life by consuming poison on two separate occasions.

According to Zambia Police Service spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi, the incident occurred on Saturday at around 23:00 hours.

Police identified the deceased as Mwanauta Chansa, who allegedly shot a 40-year-old woman in the forehead after driving her to her residence in Kabwata.

Mr. Chilabi said preliminary investigations indicate that the woman had accepted a lift home from Chansa. Upon arriving at her residence, the suspect allegedly produced a firearm believed to be a pistol and shot her before fleeing the scene.

“The suspect drove the victim to her residence. For reasons yet to be established, he allegedly shot her in the forehead using a firearm believed to be a pistol before fleeing the scene,” Mr. Chilabi said.

Police officers who responded to the incident found the victim with a gunshot wound to the forehead. She was rushed to the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, where she remains admitted in stable condition.

Following the shooting, Chansa reportedly went to the Kenneth Kaunda Peace Training Centre, where he allegedly consumed pesticide in an apparent suicide attempt.

He was subsequently rushed to Maina Soko Medical Centre for treatment.

However, police say the suspect later left the hospital without authorization and proceeded to Mtendere Compound, where he allegedly consumed pesticide again.

After being located by law enforcement officers, he was taken to Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

Mr. Chilabi confirmed that Chansa was pronounced dead at approximately 03:00 hours on June 15, 2026, while receiving treatment.

His body has since been deposited in a mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Meanwhile, sources familiar with the matter claim that the suspect and the victim had earlier spent time together before he offered to drive her home.

The sources further alleged that the woman is married and that the suspect may have been involved in a personal relationship with her. However, police have not officially confirmed the motive behind the shooting.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

The United States Government has handed over modern infrastructure facilities valued at US$5.8 million to Zambia at the Kenneth Kaunda Peace Training Centre, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s peacekeeping and military training capacity.

The newly completed facilities include a 400-seat dining hall, a multi-purpose warehouse, outdoor classrooms, an indoor engagement skills range, and secure ammunition storage facilities.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Michael Coker said the investment reflects the strong partnership between the United States and Zambia and underscores a shared commitment to peace, security and professional military training.

Mr. Coker said the facilities will support the training of thousands of future peacekeepers and enhance the centre’s capacity to prepare military personnel for international peace support operations.

He noted that the new infrastructure will help maintain the Kenneth Kaunda Peace Training Centre’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading institutions for peacekeeping training.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu said the long-standing cooperation between Zambia and the United States continues to yield tangible benefits for the country’s defence sector.

Mr. Haamaundu stated that the investment strengthens Zambia’s ability to train and deploy highly skilled and professional troops to regional and international peacekeeping missions.

He added that the upgraded facilities will contribute to improving operational readiness, training standards and the overall effectiveness of Zambia’s participation in global peace support efforts.

And Commandant of the Centre, Telenkako Banda, welcomed the development, describing it as a significant milestone in the institution’s growth.

Brigadier General Banda said the new infrastructure will enhance the learning environment for trainees and support the centre’s ambition of becoming a recognised centre of excellence in peacekeeping and security training.

The Kenneth Kaunda Peace Training Centre plays a key role in preparing military, police and civilian personnel for peace support operations under regional and international frameworks, including missions coordinated by the United Nations and the African Union.

The latest investment further strengthens defence cooperation between Zambia and the United States while enhancing the country’s contribution to international peace and security efforts.